Interim HR Director

1. About MSF

Doctors without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa is a global network of principled professionals who specialise in medical humanitarian work driven by our common humanity and guided by medical ethics. We work together in teams, small and large, to respond to the medical needs of people affected by conflict, disasters, epidemics and those excluded from healthcare.

Doctors Without Borders team members are on the ground, working directly, every day. We bear witness and describe what is happening, to raise awareness about the experiences of the people we assist and the situations where we work. We alert the public to emerging crises, acute emergencies and serious challenges, such as lack of access and exclusion from healthcare – and to mobilise support for MSF’s work and social mission, provoking change.

Today, MSF is present in more than 70 countries, where thousands of MSF doctors, nurses, logisticians, water-and-sanitation experts, and other medical and non-medical professionals work together to bring essential health services to people caught in humanitarian crises. MSF South Africa is in Johannesburg with an office in Cape Town too. MSF SA is governed by the MSF Southern Africa Association, which is made up of more than 300 members from seven countries in the region.

2. Background

MSF Southern Africa (MSF SnA) is undergoing a leadership transition following the departure of the HR Director. Several critical HR initiatives are ongoing, and the permanent recruitment process is expected to take several months. To ensure continuity, stability, and effective HR governance, MSF SnA seeks an experienced HR leader to serve as Interim HR Director for a fixed 3-month period, renewable based on organisational needs.

3. Purpose of the Assignment

The Interim HR Director will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and leadership continuity to the HR function, ensuring that high‑priority initiatives remain on track, risks are managed, and the HR team remains supported and aligned during the transition period.

4. Organisational Context & HR Structure

The Interim HR Director will oversee the HR department with key functional pillars including Domestic (HQ) HR – Management of HR for MSF SnA section staff (legal and administrative), Field HR – Support to International Mobile Staff (IMS) and Learning & Development (L&D). The role directly supervises six senior HR staff members, providing mentoring, cohesion, prioritization, and cross‑functional alignment.

The part of MSF Ubuntu OD structure, the HR Director of the Section will act as deputy HR director in MSF Ubuntu. More clarification on this role will be finalized later.

5. Scope of Work

The acting HR Director with continue to provide strategic guidance of HR matters to the General Director and the Leadership team, ensures alignment with MSF SnA strategic priorities. HR Director will serve as the primary HR interface in the co-creation of MSF Ubuntu partners and key intersectional stakeholders. The interim HR Director actively participate in and contribute to relevant MSF HR platforms and governance spacesServe as the primary HR interface with MSF EA and global HR platforms. Within the stated scope of work, the Interim Director provides strategic and operational leadership of the HR function and ensures alignment with organizational transformation priorities. The post holder will prioritize the review of the HR structure and setup, implement GGF, strengthen collaboration with MSF EA and represents MSF SnA in the various HR platforms in the movement. The role will foster continuity and compliance in all HR operations.

6. Duration

Full-time position for an initial three (3) months, renewable depending on organizational needs and recruitment progress with starting date expected to be ASAP.

7. Reporting line

Reports to the General Director; works in close collaboration with the Leadership Team, MSF EA counterparts, and the MSF Ubuntu HR leadership.

8. Profile

We are looking for a motivated HR personnel with demonstrable leadership qualities within MSF HR with the following profile;

• Bachelor`s in Human Resources Management or other HR qualification. 
• Extensive senior HR leadership experience (essential)
• Communicates effectively and fosters open dialogue across the Sections
• Proven experience within MSF in HR roles at senior/strategic level (required)
• Strong experience in organisational restructuring and managing change
• Demonstrated ability to operate in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Strong stakeholder management and decision-making skills
• Solid knowledge of labour law and HR compliance frameworks
• Experience within humanitarian/INGO contexts is highly desirable
• Given the leadership and coordination requirements of the role, full-time physical presence in the MSF Southern Africa Johannesburg office is mandatory.

8. Application details:

• The vacancy closing date is: 20th of April 2026.
• Start date: ASAP
• By applying to this position, the applicant confirms they have read, understood and agreed to fully comply with MSF Charter and MSF Behavioral Commitments and Data Privacy Policy.
• In line with MSF’s Safeguarding Principles, successful candidates undergo a rigorous vetting process that includes background checks and self-declaration.
• If you recognize yourself in this profile, we welcome you to apply directly via the https://msfsa.bamboohr.com/careers/429 Vacancy link. The vacancy can be found on various MSF websites, digital channels and other job boards.
• Applicants are required to upload a Letter of Motivation and Curriculum Vitae (in English) as per prescribed formats. Applications missing the motivation letter will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• People living with disability are encouraged to apply.

Information

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your personal data will be treated confidentially. MSF will not use your personal data in any other way, not foreseen for purposes of recruitment.

MSF is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any application/recruitment fee.

Lately, MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to the assistance of other human beings in crisis. As such MSF is by choice an association. Each individual applying for MSF roles does it out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.

MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation, and all other diversity characteristics.

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